Chromophore orientational mobility and index grating rise time in azo-dye-doped photorefractive polymer composites.

The influence of chromophore solubility enhancements on photorefractive grating rise time and device lifetime is investigated. Three azo chromophores differing primarily in compatibility with a polyvinylcarbazole host polymer were synthesized. Aromatic substitutions to the chromophore increased the device lifetime from several days to years although electric-field-induced poling experiments indicated that chromophore orientational mobility is severely hindered, resulting in photorefractive grating rise times approaching several hours. The incorporation of a flexible butyl chain to the aromatic substituted chromophores significantly enhanced the orientational mobility. These chromophores could be loaded as high as 60 wt % with no degradation in transparency for one year following fabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]